Information for Preteens: Changes for Preteen Girls

Puberty happens to everyone some time after the age of 8.

It is the transition into adulthood, when the sex organs grow and develop, and the body becomes ready and able to reproduce. These changes can make you feel proud and happy, but they can also make you feel confused or embarrassed.

Puberty starts at different times and lasts for different periods of time for different people. It can start as early as seven years to as late as 13 years of age. The sequence of puberty – from breast development to complete physical maturation – may take a year and a half or last as long as six years.

This is sometimes very difficult for girls, as some of your peers may have entered and completed puberty before you have even started. For example, you might have heard that girls mature more quickly than guys, and that is somewhat true since girls usually enter puberty about two years earlier than boys.

There is no way to slow down or speed up the process, but puberty happens to everyone, so never fear, it will happen to you someday!